Women’s Health

Women’s Health Specialists

Women’s health encompasses many areas of medicine from bone health to pelvic health and more. The doctors at First Physicians in Odessa, Texas are skilled providers in women’s health. Whether you need a routine pap test, a screening mammogram, a check for a sexually transmitted infection or are concerned about osteoporosis; these are just 4 of the many services in women’s health that First Physicians provides at all 3 of their locations; East University, Wendover and Westview. If you’re looking for a compassionate doctor for all your women’s healthcare needs, call First Physicians for an appointment.

Women’s Health Q & A

Women’s health is an area of medical care that centers around diagnosing and treating illnesses, conditions and diseases that affect the physical and mental health of women of all ages. Women’s health touches upon the following topics:

Osteoporosis: A decrease in bone density causing fragile bones

Sexually transmitted diseases/infections

Breast health, breast cancer surveillance, mammography

Cervical health, cervical cancer screening

Ovarian cancer surveillance

Uterine cancer surveillance

General gynecology and routine exams

Pregnancy and childbirth

Birth control

How often should I have a breast exam? admin
2018-03-27T00:31:00+00:00

It is generally recommended that you have a clinical breast exam (one performed by your doctor) every 1 – 3 years, starting at the age of 20 to check for breast cancer. After age 40, it is recommended you have a clinical breast exam every year.

It is also advised that you perform a self-examination of your breasts, known as BSE — breast self-examination — once a month. It is important for you to become familiar with the feel of your own breast tissue. If anything new is felt or seen, you’ll want to share this with your doctor right away. If you have a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, be sure to share this with your doctor, so recommended tests and exams along may be scheduled.

The timing of pap tests can vary, depending on your personal medical history, they’re typically recommended to start at age 21 years. If you have a history of cervical or other cancers or conditions, you may be advised to get a pap test more frequently. For women ages 21 – 65, a pap test is recommended every three years. Women who have a history of cervical cancer, an abnormal pap test result in the past, had a mother that was given the drug DES during her pregnancy with you, have HIV or have a compromised immune system from cancer — chemotherapy treatments — may be advised by the doctor to get a pap test more often than every 3 years.